Southern Lake Michigan

Sand Dunes along Western Michigan

We left South Haven on Friday and we were glad to be headed south after the nights we had at South Haven.  The lake was still a bit "lumpy", unfortunately the waves were blowing southwest and we were heading south, so the waves kept sliding the back end around, so we had to zig-zag to keep the waves at a comfortable angle.

Singapore, MI. Circa 1900

On the way to our next stop we passed by the sight of what was Singapore, MI. a city that lies buried under Michigan's west coast. Buried under huge, rolling sand dunes on Michigan's southwest coast lies a town once called Singapore. Until about 130 years ago, this Lake Michigan port town was near what is now Saugatuck.
The sand dunes on this side of Michigan are incredible to view from the water.  I am not sure you can get the same perspective from land.  Be sure to take a look at the map to see some of these pictures.

We arrived in Michigan City, Indiana (Washington Park Marina) and got into a slip around 4:30, so we had time to get out and look around a bit. We found a beach next to the marina.

Washington Park Beach

We also took a walk through Washington Park. It is a well used park that is very nicely maintained.

While talking to the couple in the slip next to ours, seasonal slip holders from Chicago, we found out that the boat in front of us belongs to someone from Owensboro, KY, Jeff Danhauer. He comes up most weekends, but happens to not be there this weekend.

We met up with Richard again at this Michigan City. He continues to inspire me.

M/V Latis with Richard at the helm

The next morning we left for Hammond Port Authority Marina in Hammond, IN. Richard left with us, also headed to Hammond.

To our surprise, the Hammond Marina is in the shadow of the Horseshoe Casino. We may be able to win enough to pay for the rest of the trip, heck maybe even get some upgrades for the boat, or maybeeee a new boat....

Cousins Gregg and Leslee came to visit on Sunday night. We had a great visit and caught
up on family and the latest happenings. I always enjoy when family and friends visit, but I was especially happy to have these two visit.

Gregg and Leslee Visit Lesson Plan

We heard from a fellow Looper that if you went over and registered at the Casino you got a free pass to the dinner buffet. So Monday night we went over and registered at the Casino and got the free buffet. Afterwards I put $5 in the slot machine. Hit the button a few times and got up to $7.84. Being the big time gambler I am, I said let it ride...then the financial manager side of me said; over a 50% return for 5 minutes, let's cash out and call it a success. Steve cashed out with $12 on his $5 investment. So we left with our wallets and bellies fatter than when we came in. Richard was 80 cents down for the nights. I hope Horseshoe can still pay the electric bill this month.

On Thursday we pull down Lesson Plans mast again. This is fair warning of my complaining about sailboats are meant to sail, blah, blah, blah  Maybe I'll just copy and paste from the last time.

I am sure I learned something over the past few days, but I will have to relearn it (because I already forgot it).

We got a great view of Chicago at sunset from Michigan City, IN

Some unique benches in Washington Park

Steve keeping an eye out for fishing boats